Plug-in energy storage batteries and networked plug-in energy storage batteries

ABSTRACT

In an example embodiment, a battery unit comprises a battery unit housing; and a battery unit circuit. In this example embodiment, the battery unit housing contains at least a portion of the battery unit circuit, and the battery unit circuit further comprises: a battery cell, an inverter to control the charging and discharging of the battery cell, a processor to provide control signals to the inverter for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cell, and one of: a power plug for coupling to and uncoupling from a power outlet assembly, and a luminaire base for coupling to and uncoupling from a luminaire socket in a light fixture. In this example embodiment, the battery unit is rated at less than or equal to 2400 Volt-Amperes. The battery unit may further comprise a transceiver.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/657,256, titled “PLUG-IN ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES AND NETWORKEDPLUG-IN ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES,” filed Oct. 21, 2019. Ser. No.16/657,256 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/808,013, titled “PLUG-IN ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES AND NETWORKEDPLUG-IN ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES,” filed Nov. 9, 2017. Ser. No.15/808,013 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/787,183, titled “PLUG-IN ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES AND NETWORKEDPLUG-IN ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES,” filed Oct. 18, 2017. The Ser. No.15/787,183 application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/416,152, titled “ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES” filed Nov.1, 2016, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/435,341, titled“ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES” filed Dec. 16, 2016, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/553,642, titled “ENERGY STORAGE BATTERIES”filed Sep. 1, 2017, which are fully incorporated herein by reference forany reason.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to batteries for charging anddischarging. More specifically, this disclosure relates to energystorage devices for readily plugging into wall outlets and for use aslight fixtures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most buildings include an electrical system that provides power forelectrical devices through the distribution of electrical conductorsthroughout and ending in outlets for such things as lighting andconvenience receptacles. It is well known in the industry that the costto produce and the price to purchase energy varies throughout the day.It is desirable to store this energy when it is less expensive, and touse this stored energy when it is more expensive. In this way, the costof using the energy is reduced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a distributed and coordinatedgroup of energy storage batteries, which store energy when it is lessexpensive, and discharge the stored energy when it is more expensive orrequired. The present disclosure is also directed to a method ofcoordinating the charge and discharge of the energy of the storagebatteries. These and other features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will be best understood from the followingdescription, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings andappending claims.

In an example embodiment, a battery unit comprises a battery unithousing; and a battery unit circuit. In this example embodiment, thebattery unit housing contains at least a portion of the battery unitcircuit, and the battery unit circuit further comprises: a battery cell,an inverter to control the charging and discharging of the battery cell,a processor to provide control signals to the inverter for controllingthe charging and discharging of the battery cell, and one of: a powerplug for coupling to and uncoupling from a power outlet assembly, and aluminaire base for coupling to and uncoupling from a luminaire socket ina light fixture. In this example embodiment, the battery unit is ratedat less than or equal to 2400 Volt-Amperes.

In another example embodiment, a battery unit network comprises: a firstbattery unit and a second battery unit. In this example embodiment, thefirst battery unit and the second battery unit each comprises: a batteryunit housing, a battery unit circuit, wherein the battery unit housingcontains at least a portion of the battery unit circuit. The batteryunit circuit further comprises: a battery cell, an inverter to controlthe charging and discharging of the battery cell, a processor to provideinverter control signals to the inverter for controlling the chargingand discharging of the battery cell, and a transceiver to provideprocessor signals to the processor, wherein the inverter control signalsare at least partially based on the processor signals. The battery unitcircuit further comprises one of: a power plug for coupling to anduncoupling from a power outlet assembly, and a luminaire base forcoupling to and uncoupling from a luminaire socket in a light fixture.In an example embodiment, the first battery unit and the second batteryunit are each rated at less than or equal to 2400 Volt-Amperes. In anexample embodiment, the first battery unit stores a first amount ofenergy and the second battery unit stores a second amount of energy. Inthis example embodiment, the first battery unit wirelessly receivesfirst S_(Control) signals, wherein the control of the charging ordischarging of the first battery unit is based on the first S_(Control)signals. And in this example embodiment, the second battery unitwirelessly receives second S_(Control) signals, wherein the control ofthe charging or discharging of the second battery unit is based on thesecond S_(control) signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be noted that like reference characters are used throughoutthe various views of the Drawings:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front and back perspective views, respectively, of abattery unit.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the battery unit of FIGS. 1 and 2in uncoupled and coupled positions with a power outlet assembly.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a first portion of a battery unit circuit,which is included with the battery unit of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a second portion of the battery unitcircuit of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery unit.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the battery unit of FIG. 7 and a frame.

FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of a power outlet assemblyincluded with the battery unit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a first portion of a battery unit circuit,which is included with the battery unit of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a second portion of the battery unitcircuit of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of a first embodiment of a batteryunit network.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a battery unitnetwork.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a battery unitnetwork.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a light fixture, which includes a battery unitcircuit.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a can light fixture, which includes a batteryunit circuit.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a luminaire, which is included with the canlight fixture of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view of another embodiment of a can light fixture,which includes a battery unit circuit.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a first portion of the battery unitcircuit, which can be included with the light fixtures of FIGS. 16, 17,18, and 19.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a second portion of the battery unitcircuit of FIG. 20.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views of a fourth embodiment of abattery unit network.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a battery unitnetwork.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a battery unitnetwork.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While exemplary embodiments are described herein in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may be realized and that logicalmaterial, electrical, and mechanical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, thefollowing detailed description is presented for purposes of illustrationonly.

In an example embodiment, a battery unit comprises a battery unithousing; and a battery unit circuit. In this example embodiment, thebattery unit housing contains at least a portion of the battery unitcircuit, and the battery unit circuit further comprises: a battery cell,an inverter to control the charging and discharging of the battery cell,a processor to provide control signals to the inverter for controllingthe charging and discharging of the battery cell, and one of: a powerplug for coupling to and uncoupling from a power outlet assembly, and aluminaire base for coupling to and uncoupling from a luminaire socket ina light fixture. In this example embodiment, the battery unit is ratedat less than or equal to 2400 Volt-Amperes.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front and back perspective views, respectively, of abattery unit 100. As will be discussed in more detail below with FIG. 5,the battery unit 100 includes a battery unit circuit. The battery unitcircuit controls the operation of the battery unit 100.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 100 includes a battery unit housing102. The battery unit housing 102 houses the various components of thebattery unit 100. For example, the battery unit housing 102 houses thebattery unit circuit. The battery unit housing 102 carries some of thecomponents of the battery unit 100, as will be discussed in more detailpresently.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 100 includes a battery unit powerindicator 104, which is carried by the battery unit housing 102. Thebattery unit power indicator 104 provides an indication of the amount ofpower stored by the battery unit 100. In operation, the battery unitpower indicator 104 moves light in a first direction in response to thepower stored by the battery unit 100 increasing. Further, in operation,the battery unit power indicator 104 moves light in a second directionin response to the power stored by the battery unit 100 decreasing. Inan example embodiment, the battery unit power indicator 104 includes oneor more lights to provide an indication of the amount of power storage.The lights can be of many different types such as light emitting diodes.The lights can be of many different colors, such as red, yellow, and/orgreen. Moreover, any suitable indicator or method of indicating theamount of power stored in the battery unit may be used. In other exampleembodiments, no visible indicators of the amount of power stored in thebattery unit are provided on the battery unit 100.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 100 includes a wireless connectionindicator 105, which is carried by the battery unit housing 102. Thewireless connection indicator 105 provides an indication of the amountof wireless connection power received by the battery unit 100. Thewireless connection power corresponds to the strength of a wirelesssignal that flows between the battery unit 100 and another device. Theother device can be of many different types, as will be discussed inmore detail below with FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15.

In operation, the wireless connection indicator 105 moves light in athird direction in response to the wireless connection power received bythe battery unit 100 increasing. Further, in operation, the wirelessconnection indicator 105 moves light in a fourth direction in responseto the wireless connection power received by the battery unit 100decreasing. The wireless connection indicator 105 can include one ormore lights to provide an indication of the amount of power storage. Thelights can be of many different types such as light emitting diodes. Thelights can be of many different colors, such as red, yellow, and/orgreen. Moreover, any suitable indicator or method of indicating thestrength of the wireless signal received by the battery unit may beused. In other example embodiments, no visible indicators of thestrength of the wireless signal are provided on the battery unit 100.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 100 includes a charge/dischargeindicator 106, which is carried by the battery unit housing 102. Thecharge/discharge indicator 106 provides an indication of the chargestate of the battery unit 100. The charge/discharge indicator 106 can beof many different types of indicators, such as a light. The light can beof many different types such as a light emitting diode. Moreover, anysuitable indicator or method of indicating the state of the battery unitmay be used. In other example embodiments, no visible indicators of thestate of the battery unit are provided on the battery unit 100.

In operation, the charge/discharge indicator 106 has a first chargestate indication in response to the battery unit 100 being charged. Thefirst charge state indication can be of many different types ofindications, such as a light color indication. The light colorindication can be of many different colors, such as green.

In operation, the charge/discharge indicator 106 has a second chargestate indication in response to the battery unit 100 being discharged.The second charge state indication can be of many different types ofindications, such as a light color indication. The light colorindication can be of many different colors, such as red. It should benoted that other colors, such as blue and yellow, can also be used toindicate the first and second charge states.

In an example embodiment, the battery unit 100 includes a power plug110. The power plug 110 can be of many different types. In thisembodiment, the power plug 110 is a three-prong power plug, whichincludes a positive power prong 112, neutral power prong 114, andcurrent return prong 116. In this embodiment, the power plug 110 israted for 120 volts, so it is a 120 volt power plug. It should be notedthat 120 volt power plugs are common in the United States. However, thepower plug 110 can be rated for other voltages and the prongs can beconfigured for other power outlet configurations standard in othercountries. For example, the power plug 110 can be rated for othervoltages that are used in other countries.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the battery unit 100 of FIGS. 1and 2 in uncoupled and coupled positions with a power outlet assembly120. The battery unit 100 can receive power from the power outletassembly 120 when it is coupled thereto. The battery unit 100 does notreceive power from the power outlet assembly 120 when it is uncoupledtherefrom. Further, the battery unit 100 can provide power to the poweroutlet assembly 120 when it is coupled thereto. The battery unit 100does not provide power to the power outlet assembly 120 when it isuncoupled therefrom.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 120 includes a poweroutlet 121. The power outlet 121 can be of many different types. In thisembodiment, the power outlet 121 is a three-slot power outlet, whichincludes a positive power slot 122, neutral power slot 124, and currentreturn slot 126. In this embodiment, the power outlet 121 is rated for120 volts, so it is a 120 volt power outlet. It should be noted that 120volt power outlets are common in the United States. However, the poweroutlet 121 can be rated for other voltages. For example, the poweroutlet 121 can be rated for other voltages that are used in othercountries.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 120 includes a poweroutlet 131. The power outlet 131 can be of many different types. In thisembodiment, the power outlet 131 is a three-slot power outlet, whichincludes a positive power slot 132, neutral power slot 134, and currentreturn slot 136. In this embodiment, the power outlet 131 is rated for120 volts, so it is a 120 volt power outlet. It should be noted that 120volt power outlets are common in the United States. However, the poweroutlet 131 can be rated for other voltages. For example, the poweroutlet 131 can be rated for other voltages that are used in othercountries.

It should be noted that the power outlet assembly 120 includes two poweroutlets in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. In general, thepower outlet assembly 120 can include one or more power outlets.

The battery unit 100 is repeatably moveable between the uncoupled andcoupled positions with the power outlet assembly 120. The battery unit100 can be coupled to the power outlet assembly 120 in many differentways. For example, the battery unit 100 can be coupled to the poweroutlet 121 in response to coupling the power plug 110 thereto. The powerplug 110 is coupled to the power outlet 121 in response to moving thepositive power prong 112 into the positive power slot 122, the neutralpower prong 114 into the neutral power slot 124, and the current returnprong 116 into the current return slot 126. This is also referred to asplugging in the power plug 110, or the power plug 110 being plugged intothe power outlet 121.

The battery unit 100 can receive power from the power outlet 121 whenthe power plug 110 is coupled thereto. The battery unit 100 does notreceive power from the power outlet 121 when the power plug 110 isuncoupled therefrom. Further, the battery unit 100 can provide power tothe power outlet 121 when the power plug 110 is coupled thereto. Thebattery unit 100 does not provide power to the power outlet 121 when thepower plug 110 is uncoupled therefrom.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, however, the battery unit 100 is coupled to the poweroutlet 131 in response to coupling the power plug 110 thereto. The powerplug 110 is coupled to the power outlet 131 in response to moving thepositive power prong 112 into the positive power slot 132, the neutralpower prong 114 into the neutral power slot 134, and the current returnprong 116 into the current return slot 136.

The battery unit 100 can receive power from the power outlet 131 whenthe power plug 110 is coupled thereto. The battery unit 100 does notreceive power from the power outlet 131 when the power plug 110 isuncoupled therefrom. Further, the battery unit 100 can provide power tothe power outlet 131 when the power plug 110 is coupled thereto. Thebattery unit 100 does not provide power to the power outlet 131 when thepower plug 110 is uncoupled therefrom. Moreover, the battery unit 100,in an example embodiment, can be coupled to more than one power outlet(e.g., 121 and 131) at the same time through use of corresponding powerplugs.

In an example embodiment, the battery unit power indicator 104 providesan indication of the amount of power stored by the battery unit 100. Asmentioned above, the battery unit power indicator 104 moves light in thefirst direction in response to the power stored by the battery unit 100increasing. In this embodiment, the battery unit power indicator 104moves light in the first direction in response to the power flowing fromthe power outlet 131 to the battery unit 100 through the power plug 110.In this way, the power stored by the battery unit 100 increases.

As mentioned above, the battery unit power indicator 104 moves light inthe second direction in response to the power stored by the battery unit100 decreasing. In this embodiment, the battery unit power indicator 104moves light in the second direction in response to the power flowingfrom the battery unit 100 to the power outlet 131 through the power plug110. In this way, the power stored by the battery unit 100 decreases.

As mentioned above, the charge/discharge indicator 106 provides anindication of the charge state of the battery unit 100. In operation,the charge/discharge indicator 106 has the first charge state indicationin response to the power plug 110 being coupled to the power outlet 131.Further, in operation, the charge/discharge indicator 106 has the secondcharge state indication in response to the power plug 110 beinguncoupled from the power outlet 131.

In this embodiment, the wireless connection indicator 105 provides anindication of the amount of wireless connection power received by thebattery unit 100. The wireless connection indicator 105 moves light inthe third direction in response to the wireless connection powerreceived by the battery unit 100 increasing. The wireless connectionindicator 105 moves light in the fourth direction in response to thewireless connection power received by the battery unit 100 decreasing.As mentioned above, the wireless connection power corresponds to thestrength of a wireless signal that flows between the battery unit 100and another device. The other device can be of many different types, aswill be discussed in more detail below with FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a first portion of a battery unit circuit101, which is included with the battery unit 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, andFIG. 6 is a block diagram of a second portion of the battery unitcircuit 101 of FIG. 5. It should be noted that the battery unit circuit101 allows energy to be distributed, in a controlled manner, to otherelectrical devices through the electrical distribution system.

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 101 includes the power plug110, which is described above. The power plug 110 is carried by thebattery unit housing 102, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As discussed inmore detail above, the power plug 110 is repeatably moveable betweencoupled and uncoupled positions with the power outlet assembly 120. Inthe coupled condition, a power in signal S_(PowerIn) can be received bythe power plug 110 from the power outlet assembly 120. Further, in thecoupled condition, a power out signal S_(PowerOut) can be received bythe power outlet assembly 120 from the power plug 110. It should benoted that the power in signal S_(PowerIn) is a portion of a powersignal S_(Power) that is provided to the power outlet assembly 120 andthe power out signal S_(PowerOut) is another portion of the power signalS_(Power). The power signal S_(Power) can be provided to the poweroutlet assembly 120 in many different ways, such as from a service panel(not shown). The service panel is connected to the power outlet assembly120 through an electrical distribution system. It should be noted that,in this embodiment, the power in S_(PowerIn), power out S_(PowerOut),and power S_(Power) signals are alternating current power signals.

The battery unit circuit 101 includes an inverter 107, which is coupledto the power plug 110. The inverter 107 can be of many different types.In this embodiment, the inverter 107 converts power signals betweenalternating current and direct current power signals. In thisembodiment, the inverter 107 receives the power in signal S_(PowerIn)from the power plug 110, and provides a battery in signal S_(BatteryIn)in response. The battery in signal S_(BatteryIn) is a direct currentpower signal that corresponds to the alternating current power in signalS_(PowerIn). Further, the inverter 107 receives a battery out signalS_(BatteryOut), and provides the power out signal S_(PowerOut) inresponse. The power out signal S_(PowerOut) is an alternating currentpower signal that corresponds to the direct current battery out signalS_(BatteryOut).

The battery unit circuit 101 includes a battery cell 108 coupled to theinverter 107. The battery cell 108 can be of many different types. Inthis embodiment, the battery cell 108 is a lithium-ion battery cell. Thebattery cell 108 provides the battery out signal S_(BatteryOut) to theinverter 107. Further, the battery cell 108 receives the battery insignal S_(BatteryIn) from the inverter 107.

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 101 includes the batteryunit power indicator 104, which is operatively coupled to the batterycell 108. The battery unit power indicator 104 is shown in FIGS. 1 and4. In operation, the battery unit power indicator 104 moves light in thefirst direction in response to receiving the battery in signalS_(BatteryIn). Further, in operation, the battery unit power indicator104 moves light in the second direction in response to providing thebattery out signal S_(BatteryOut).

The battery unit circuit 101 includes a transceiver 109 coupled to thebattery cell 108. The transceiver 109 can be of many different types,such as a Wi-Fi radio or other mesh network transceiver that allowscommunication and control wirelessly. The transceiver 109 maycommunicate, for example, with a wireless router in the building. Thetransceiver 109 is powered in response to receiving a battery signalS_(Battery) from the battery cell 108, wherein the battery signalS_(Battery) is a direct current power signal. It should be noted thatthe battery signal S_(Battery) can be used to power other components ofthe battery unit circuit 101, if desired.

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 101 includes the wirelessconnection indicator 105, which is operatively coupled to thetransceiver 109. The wireless connection indicator 105 is shown in FIGS.1 and 4. As mentioned above, the wireless connection indicator 105provides an indication of the amount of wireless connection powerreceived by the battery unit 100. In particular, the wireless connectionindicator 105 provides an indication of the amount of wirelessconnection power received by the transceiver 109. The wirelessconnection power corresponds to the strength of a wireless signal thatflows between the battery unit 100 and another device. In particular,the wireless connection power corresponds to the strength of a wirelesssignal that flows between the transceiver 109 and another device. Theother device can be of many different types, as will be discussed inmore detail below with FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15.

In operation, the wireless connection indicator 105 moves light in thethird direction in response to the wireless connection power received bythe transceiver 109 increasing. Further, in operation, the wirelessconnection indicator 105 moves light in the fourth direction in responseto the wireless connection power received by the transceiver 109decreasing. The wireless connection power can correspond to the power ofmany different types of wireless signals. In this embodiment, thewireless connection power corresponds to the power of a control signalS_(Control) and/or data signal S_(Data). In other embodiments, such asthose discussed with FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15 below, the wirelessconnection power corresponds to one or more wireless signals S₁, S₂, andS₃.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control signal S_(Control) and data signalS_(Data) flow between the transceiver 109 and internet 140. It should benoted that the internet 140 typically includes one or more computernetworks. The computer network can be of many different types, such as awide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN).

In this embodiment, the internet 140 is in communication with a database142, which is used for data logging, billing, and prediction of futurecharge and discharge patterns of the user based on past consumptionlocally or remotely. The database 142 can be accessed remotely via a webportal via computer 144. In an example embodiment, access to thedatabase 142 and communication via the internet 140 is intermittent andon demand.

In this embodiment, the database 142 is in communication with a computer144. The computer 144 can be of many different types, such as a server,which operates a web-based portal or web-based interface. The computer144 can also be a mobile device, such as a smart phone and tablet.Examples of smart phones include the IPHONE and ANDROID devices, and anexample of a tablet is an IPAD. In an example embodiment, not shown,computer 144 is in direct communication with internet 140.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery unit150. As will be discussed in more detail below with FIG. 10, the batteryunit 150 includes a battery unit circuit. The battery unit circuitcontrols the operation of the battery unit 150.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 150 includes a battery unit housing152. The battery unit housing 152 houses the various components of thebattery unit 150. For example, the battery unit housing 152 houses thebattery unit circuit. The battery unit housing 152 carries some of thecomponents of the battery unit 150, as will be discussed in more detailbelow.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 150 includes a power outletassembly 160, which is carried by the battery unit housing 152. Thepower outlet assembly 160 will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 9.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 150 includes a battery unit stand154, which is coupled to the battery unit housing 152. The battery unitstand 154 can be of many different types. In this embodiment, thebattery unit stand 154 includes a battery unit platform 155, which isspaced from the battery unit housing 152 by battery unit legs 156 and157. The battery unit stand 154 allows the battery unit 150 to bepositioned at a desired location, as will be discussed in more detailpresently. The battery unit stand 154 also allows the battery unithousing 152 to be held at a desired position so that insulation can bepositioned around it. Further, the battery unit stand 154 allows thepower outlet assembly 160 to be positioned at a desired location, suchas a desired height above a floor.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the battery unit 150 of FIG. 7 and aframe 180. The frame 180 can be of many different types. In thisembodiment, the frame 180 corresponds to the framing of a wall, whichgenerally includes one or more beams. In this embodiment, the frame 180includes a lower cross beam 181, wherein the battery unit stand 154 iscarried by the lower cross beam 181. The frame 180 includes uprightbeams 182 and 183, wherein the battery unit 150 extends therebetween.The frame 180 can include other beams, such as upper cross beams 184 and185, wherein upper cross beams 184 and 185 extend away from uprightbeams 182 and 183, respectively.

It should be noted that a wall member, such as drywall, is typicallycarried by the frame 180. In one particular embodiment, first and secondwall members are positioned on opposed sides of the frame 180 so thatthe battery unit 150 is positioned therebetween. In this way, thebattery unit 150 can be positioned relative to a wall. In someembodiments, the battery unit 150 is positioned inside of the wall. Thebattery unit housing 152 can be positioned between opposed wall members,and the power outlet assembly 160 can extend through one of the wallmembers, as will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of the power outlet assembly 160included with the battery unit 150 of FIGS. 7 and 8. As mentioned above,the power outlet assembly 160 is carried by the battery unit housing152. In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 160 extends proximateto a wall member 187, wherein the wall member 187 is carried by theframe 180 (FIG. 8).

The power outlet assembly 160 can be of many different types. In thisembodiment, the power outlet assembly 160 includes a power outlet 161.The power outlet 161 can be of many different types. In this embodiment,the power outlet 161 is a three-slot power outlet, which includes apositive power slot 162, neutral power slot 164, and current return slot166. In this embodiment, the power outlet 161 is rated for 120 volts, soit is a 120 volt power outlet. As mentioned above, 120 volt poweroutlets are common in the United States. However, the power outlet 161can be rated for other voltages. For example, the power outlet 161 canbe rated for other voltages that are used in other countries.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 160 includes a poweroutlet 171. The power outlet 171 can be of many different types. In thisembodiment, the power outlet 171 is a three-slot power outlet, whichincludes a positive power slot 172, neutral power slot 174, and currentreturn slot 176. In this embodiment, the power outlet 171 is rated for120 volts, so it is a 120 volt power outlet. As mentioned above, 120volt power outlets are common in the United States. However, the poweroutlet 171 can be rated for other voltages. For example, the poweroutlet 171 can be rated for other voltages that are used in othercountries.

It should be noted that the power outlet assembly 160 includes two poweroutlets in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. In general, thepower outlet assembly 160 can include one or more power outlets.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 160 includes a batteryunit power indicator 104. As mentioned above, the battery unit powerindicator 104 provides an indication of the amount of power stored bythe battery unit 150. In operation, the battery unit power indicator 104moves in the first direction in response to the power stored by thebattery unit 150 increasing. Further, in operation, the battery unitpower indicator 104 moves in the second direction in response to thepower stored by the battery unit 150 decreasing. More informationregarding the battery unit power indicator 104 is provided above.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 160 includes the wirelessconnection indicator 105. The wireless connection indicator 105 providesan indication of the amount of wireless connection power received by thebattery unit 150. The wireless connection power corresponds to thestrength of a wireless signal that flows between the battery unit 150and another device. The other device can be of many different types, aswill be discussed in more detail below with FIGS. 10, 11, 12, and 13.

In operation, the wireless connection indicator 105 moves in the thirddirection in response to the wireless connection power received by thebattery unit 150 increasing. Further, in operation, the wirelessconnection indicator 105 moves in the fourth direction in response tothe wireless connection power received by the battery unit 150decreasing. The wireless connection indicator 105 can include one ormore lights to provide an indication of the amount of power storage. Thelights can be of many different types such as light emitting diodes. Thelights can be of many different colors, such as red, yellow, and/orgreen.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 160 includes thecharge/discharge indicator 106. The charge/discharge indicator 106provides an indication of the charge state of the battery unit 150. Asmentioned above, the charge/discharge indicator 106 can be of manydifferent types of indicators, such as a light. The light can be of manydifferent types such as a light emitting diode.

In operation, the charge/discharge indicator 106 has the first chargestate indication in response to the battery unit 100 being charged. Asmentioned above, the first charge state indication can be of manydifferent types of indications, such as a light color indication. Thelight color indication can be of many different colors, such as green.

In operation, the charge/discharge indicator 106 has the second chargestate indication in response to the battery unit 100 being discharged.As mentioned above, the second charge state indication can be of manydifferent types of indications, such as a light color indication. Thelight color indication can be of many different colors, such as red. Itshould be noted that other colors, such as blue and yellow, can also beused to indicate the first and second charge states.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the battery unit circuit 151, which isincluded with the battery unit 150 of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, and FIG. 11 is ablock diagram of a second portion of the battery unit circuit 151 ofFIG. 10. It should be noted that the battery unit circuit 151 allowsenergy to be distributed, in a controlled manner, to other electricaldevices through the electrical distribution system.

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 151 includes the poweroutlet assembly 160, which is described above. The power outlet assembly160 is carried by the battery unit housing 151, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8,and 9. The power outlet assembly 160 receives the power signalS_(Power). The power signal S_(Power) can be provided to the poweroutlet assembly 160 in many different ways, such as from the servicepanel (not shown). The service panel is connected to the power outletassembly 160 through an electrical distribution system. An exampleelectrical distribution system is a power grid, a micro-grid, and thelike.

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 151 includes the inverter107, which is coupled to the power outlet assembly 160. As mentionedabove, the inverter 107 can be of many different types. In thisembodiment, the inverter 107 converts power signals between alternatingcurrent and direct current power signals. In this embodiment, theinverter 107 receives the power in signal S_(PowerIn) from the poweroutlet assembly 160, and provides the battery in signal S_(BatteryIn) inresponse. The battery in signal S_(BatteryIn) is a direct current powersignal that corresponds to the alternating current power in signalS_(PowerIn). Further, the inverter receives the battery out signalS_(BatteryOut), and provides the power out signal S_(PowerOut) inresponse. The power out signal S_(PowerOut) is an alternating currentpower signal that corresponds to the direct current battery out signalS_(BatteryOut).

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 151 includes the batterycell 108 coupled to the inverter 107. As mentioned above, the batterycell 108 can be of many different types. In this embodiment, the batterycell 108 is a lithium-ion battery cell. The battery cell 108 providesthe battery out signal S_(BatteryOut) to the inverter 107. Further, thebattery cell 108 receives the battery in signal S_(BatteryIn) from theinverter 107. It should be noted that the power in signal S_(PowerIn) isa portion of the power signal S_(Power) that is provided to the poweroutlet assembly 160 and that the power out signal S_(PowerOut) isanother portion of the power signal S_(Power) that is sent from thepower outlet assembly 160 to the electrical system. It also should benoted that, in this embodiment, the power in S_(PowerIn), power outS_(PowerOut), and power S_(Power) signals are alternating current powersignals.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 160 includes the batteryunit power indicator 104, which is operatively coupled to the batterycell 108. The battery unit power indicator 104 is shown in FIG. 9. Inoperation, the battery unit power indicator 104 moves light in the firstdirection in response to receiving the battery in signal S_(BatteryIn).Further, in operation, the battery unit power indicator 104 moves lightin the second direction in response to providing the battery out signalS_(BatteryOut).

The battery unit circuit 101 includes a transceiver 109 coupled to thebattery cell 108. The transceiver 109 can be of many different types,such as a Wi-Fi radio or other mesh network transceiver that allowscommunication and control wirelessly. The transceiver 109 is powered inresponse to receiving the battery signal S_(Battery) from the batterycell 108, wherein the battery signal S_(Battery) is a direct currentpower signal. As mentioned above, the battery signal S_(Battery) can beused to power other components of the battery unit circuit 101, ifdesired.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 160 includes the wirelessconnection indicator 105, which is operatively coupled to thetransceiver 109. The wireless connection indicator 105 is shown in FIG.9. As mentioned above, the wireless connection indicator 105 provides anindication of the amount of wireless connection power received by thebattery unit 100. In particular, the wireless connection indicator 105provides an indication of the amount of wireless connection powerreceived by the transceiver 109. The wireless connection powercorresponds to the strength of a wireless signal that flows between thebattery unit 100 and another device. In particular, the wirelessconnection power corresponds to the strength of a wireless signal thatflows between the transceiver 109 and another device. The other devicecan be of many different types, as will be discussed in more detailbelow with FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15.

In operation, the wireless connection indicator 105 moves light in thethird direction in response to the wireless connection power received bythe transceiver 109 increasing. Further, in operation, the wirelessconnection indicator 105 moves light in the fourth direction in responseto the wireless connection power received by the transceiver 109decreasing. The wireless connection power can correspond to the power ofmany different types of wireless signals. In this embodiment, thewireless connection power corresponds to the power of the control signalS_(Control) and/or data signal S_(Data). In other embodiments, such asthose discussed with FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 15 below, the wirelessconnection power corresponds to one or more wireless signals S₁, S₂, andS₃.

As shown in FIG. 11, the control signal S_(Control) and data signalS_(Data) flow between the transceiver 109 and internet 140. It should benoted that the internet 140 typically includes one or more computernetworks. The computer network can be of many different types, such as awide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN).

In this embodiment, the internet 140 is in communication with a database142, which is used for data logging, billing, and prediction of futurecharge and discharge patterns of the user based on past consumptionlocally or remotely. The database 142 can be accessed remotely via a webportal via computer 144. In an example embodiment, the communicationwith the database 142 and communication via the internet 140 will beintermittent and on demand.

In this embodiment, the database 142 is in communication with a computer144. The computer 144 can be of many different types, such as a server,which operates a web-based portal or web-based interface. The computer144 can also be a mobile device, such as a smart phone and tablet.Examples of smart phones include the IPHONE and ANDROID devices, and anexample of a tablet is an IPAD. In an example embodiment, not shown, thecomputer 144 is in direct communication with the internet 140.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of a first embodiment of a batteryunit network, denoted as battery unit network 190. In this embodiment, apower outlet assembly 120 a extends through the wall member 187, whereinthe power outlet assembly 120 a is the same as the power outlet assembly120. The battery unit network 190 includes a battery unit 100 a, whichis repeatably moveable between uncoupled (FIG. 12) and coupled (FIG. 13)positions with the power outlet assembly 120 a. It should be noted thatthe battery unit 100 a is the same as the battery unit 100, and includesthe battery unit circuit 101 (FIGS. 5 and 6). More information regardingmoving the battery unit 100 a between coupled and uncoupled conditionswith the power outlet assembly 120 a is provided in more detail abovewith FIGS. 3 and 4.

In this embodiment, a power outlet assembly 120 b extends through thewall member 188, wherein the power outlet assembly 120 b is the same asthe power outlet assembly 120. The battery unit network 190 includes abattery unit 100 b, which is repeatably moveable between uncoupled (FIG.12) and coupled (FIG. 13) positions with the power outlet assembly 120b. It should be noted that the battery unit 100 b is the same as thebattery unit 100. More information regarding moving the battery unit 100b between coupled and uncoupled conditions with the power outletassembly 120 b is provided in more detail above with FIGS. 3 and 4. Itshould be noted that wall members 187 and 188 are typically carried by aframe, such as the frame 180 of FIG. 8.

In this embodiment, the battery units 100 a and 100 b establishcommunication with each other so that a wireless signal S₁ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₁ is used to coordinate a dischargeon the electrical distribution system to aggregate the availablecapacity of the distributed energy storage system. For example, thewireless signal S₁ can coordinate the discharge on the electricaldistribution system between the battery units 100 a and 100 b toaggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 100 a can establish communication with a first remotedevice so that a wireless signal S₂ can flow therebetween. The wirelesssignal S₂ is used to coordinate charge and discharge sequences on theelectrical distribution system to aggregate the available capacity ofthe distributed energy storage system. For example, the wireless signalS₂ can coordinate the discharge on the electrical distribution systembetween the battery unit 100 a and the first remote device to aggregatethe available capacity between them.

The battery unit 100 b can establish communication with a second remotedevice so that a wireless signal S₃ can flow therebetween. The wirelesssignal S₃ is used to coordinate charge and discharge sequences on theelectrical distribution system to aggregate the available capacity ofthe distributed energy storage system. For example, the wireless signalS₃ can coordinate the discharge on the electrical distribution systembetween the battery unit 100 b and the third remote device to aggregatethe available capacity between them.

It should be noted that the first and second remote devices can be ofmany different types, such as a computer, smart phone, and/or tablet.The first and second remote devices can also be a server, which operatesa web-based portal or web-based interface.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a battery unitnetwork, denoted as battery unit network 191. In this embodiment, thebattery unit network 191 includes a battery unit 150 a, wherein thebattery unit 150 a includes a power outlet assembly 160 a. It should benoted that the battery unit 150 a is the same as the battery unit 150(FIGS. 7, 8, and 9), and includes the battery unit circuit 151 (FIGS. 10and 11). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 a corresponds to thepower outlet assembly 160 (FIG. 9).

In this embodiment, the battery unit 150 a extends through the wallmember 187, wherein the wall member 187 is carried by the frame 180(FIG. 8). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 a extends through thewall member 187 (FIG. 9).

The battery unit network 191 includes the battery unit 100 b, which isrepeatably moveable between uncoupled (FIG. 12) and coupled (FIG. 13)positions with the power outlet assembly 120 b. As mentioned above, thebattery unit 100 b is the same as the battery unit 100.

In this embodiment, the battery units 150 a and 100 b establishcommunication with each other so that the wireless signal S₁ can flowtherebetween. As mentioned above, the wireless signal S₁ is used tocoordinate a discharge on the electrical distribution system toaggregate the available capacity of the distributed energy storagesystem. For example, the wireless signal S₁ can coordinate the dischargeon the electrical distribution system between the battery units 150 aand 100 b to aggregate the available capacity between them. Althoughdiscussed herein in various examples as ‘coordinating the discharge’, itshould be understood that the wireless signals may also be used tocoordinate the charging of multiple devices connected to the electricaldistribution system.

The battery unit 150 a can establish communication with the first remotedevice so that the wireless signal S₂ can flow therebetween. Asmentioned above, the wireless signal S₂ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₂ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit 150 a and thefirst remote device to aggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 100 b can establish communication with the secondremote device so that a wireless signal S₃ can flow therebetween. Asmentioned above, the wireless signal S₃ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₃ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit 100 b and thethird remote device to aggregate the available capacity between them.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a battery unitnetwork, denoted as battery unit network 192. In this embodiment, thebattery unit network 192 includes the battery unit 150 a, wherein thebattery unit 150 a includes a power outlet assembly 160 a. As mentionedabove, the battery unit 150 a is the same as the battery unit 150 (FIGS.7, 8, and 9), and includes the battery unit circuit 151 (FIGS. 10 and11). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 a corresponds to the poweroutlet assembly 160 (FIG. 9).

As mentioned above, the battery unit 150 a extends through the wallmember 187, wherein the wall member 187 is carried by the frame 180(FIG. 8). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 a extends through thewall member 187 (FIG. 9).

The battery unit network 192 includes a battery unit 150 b, wherein thebattery unit 150 b includes a power outlet assembly 160 b. In thisembodiment, the battery unit 150 b is the same as the battery unit 150(FIGS. 7, 8, and 9), and includes the battery unit circuit 151 (FIGS. 10and 11). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 b corresponds to thepower outlet assembly 160 (FIG. 9).

As mentioned above, the battery unit 150 b extends through the wallmember 188, wherein the wall member 188 is carried by the frame 180(FIG. 8). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 b extends through thewall member 188 (FIG. 9).

In this embodiment, the battery units 150 a and 150 b establishcommunication with each other so that the wireless signal S₁ can flowtherebetween. As mentioned above, the wireless signal S₁ is used tocoordinate charge and discharge sequences on the electrical distributionsystem to aggregate the available capacity of the distributed energystorage system. For example, the wireless signal S₁ can coordinate thedischarge on the electrical distribution system between the batteryunits 150 a and 150 b to aggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 150 a can establish communication with the first remotedevice so that the wireless signal S₂ can flow therebetween. Asmentioned above, the wireless signal S₂ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₂ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit 150 a and thefirst remote device to aggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 150 b can establish communication with a remote deviceso that the wireless signal S₃ can flow therebetween. As mentionedabove, the wireless signal S₃ is used to coordinate charge and dischargesequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregate theavailable capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₃ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit 150 b and thethird remote device to aggregate the available capacity between them.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a light fixture 200, which includes a batteryunit circuit 103. In one example embodiment, the battery unit housing isa luminaire 202 comprising the battery unit circuit 103, including theinverter 107, battery cell 108, and transceiver 109. See also FIGS. 17and 18. In another embodiment, similar to FIGS. 7-9, the battery unithousing is part of the fixture. See FIG. 19.

Thus, in one example embodiment, the light fixture 200 includes a lighthousing 207, which carries a luminaire 202. The luminaire 202 can be ofmany different light emitting diodes (LED). In some embodiments, theluminaire 202 includes an array of LEDs. Examples of luminaires 202 aresometimes referred to as Troffer lights. Troffer lights are manufacturedby many different companies, such as CREE and PHILIPS. In thisembodiment, the light fixture 200 includes the inverter 107, batterycell 108, and transceiver 109, which are discussed in more detail above.The signals S_(BatteryIn) and S_(BatteryOut) flow to and from,respectively, the inverter 107, as described in more detail above. Itshould be noted that the light fixture discussed herein can be embodiedas other types of light fixtures, one of which will be discussed in moredetail presently.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a can light fixture 210, which includes thebattery unit circuit 103 in the luminaire 212. In this embodiment, thecan light fixture includes a light housing 211, which is carried by aceiling 195. A faceplate 213 can optionally be coupled to the lighthousing 211. The can light fixture 210 further comprises a luminaireholder 201 such as a luminaire socket. The luminaire socket can beconfigured to receive a luminaire base 205. For example, the luminairebase 205 may be configured with screws to be coupled to the luminairesocket by being screwed in. Power, e.g., S_(PowerIn) or S_(PowerOut) maybe communicated from the building electric system directly to theluminaire holder 201.

In this embodiment, the can light fixture 210 includes a luminaireholder 201, which is carried by the light housing 211. A luminaire 203is coupled to the luminaire holder 201. The luminaire 203 can be of manydifferent types. In this embodiment, the luminaire 203 includes an LED.In some embodiments, the luminaire 203 includes an array of LEDs.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the luminaire 212. In this embodiment, theluminaire 212 includes a luminaire base 205, which is repeatablymoveable between coupled and uncoupled positions with the luminaireholder 201. The luminaire 212 includes a luminaire enclosure 206, whichencloses the LEDs included therewith. In this embodiment, the luminaire212 includes the battery cell 108 and the inverter 107. In a furtherembodiment, the luminaire 212 also includes the transceiver 109. Hence,in FIGS. 17 and 18, a portion of the battery unit circuit 103 is housedby the luminaire 212.

FIG. 19 is a side view of a can light fixture 215, which includes thebattery unit circuit 103. In this embodiment, the can light fixtureincludes the light housing 211, which is carried by the ceiling 195. Thefaceplate 213 can optionally be coupled to the light housing 211. Thecan light fixture 215, in this example embodiment, includes theenclosure 214 positioned proximate to the light housing 211. In thisembodiment, the enclosure 214 houses the battery unit circuit 103.

In this embodiment, the can light fixture 215 includes the luminaireholder 201, which is carried by the light housing 211. A luminaire 204is coupled to the luminaire holder 201, such as by screwing the base ofthe luminaire into a luminaire socket. The luminaire 204 can be of manydifferent types. In this embodiment, the luminaire 204 includes an LED.In some embodiments, the luminaire 204 includes an array of LEDs. Inthis embodiment, the battery unit circuit is not included with theluminaire 204. The battery unit circuit 103 is housed by the enclosure214.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a first portion of the battery unitcircuit 103, which can be included with the light fixtures 200, 210, and215 of corresponding FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 19. FIG. 21 is a blockdiagram of a second portion of the battery unit circuit 103 of FIG. 20.It should be noted that the battery unit circuit 103 allows energy to bedistributed, in a controlled manner, to other electrical devices throughthe electrical distribution system. In this embodiment, the battery unitcircuit 103 includes the power mains 130, which is described herein. Thepower in the signal S_(PowerIn) is provided by the power mains 130.

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 103 includes the inverter107, which is coupled to the power mains 130. The inverter 107 can be ofmany different types. In this embodiment, the inverter 107 convertspower signals between alternating current and direct current powersignals. In this embodiment, the inverter 107 receives the power insignal S_(PowerIn) from the power mains 130, and provides the battery insignal S_(BatteryIn) in response. The battery in signal S_(BatteryIn) isa direct current power signal that corresponds to the alternatingcurrent power in signal S_(PowerIn). Further, the inverter receives abattery out signal S_(BatteryOut), and provides the power out signalS_(PowerOut) in response. The power out signal S_(PowerOut) is analternating current power signal that corresponds to the direct currentbattery out signal S_(BatteryOut).

The battery unit circuit 103 includes the battery cell 108 coupled tothe inverter 107. The battery cell 108 can be of many different types.In this embodiment, the battery cell 108 is a lithium-ion battery cell.The battery cell 108 provides the battery out signal S_(BatteryOut) tothe inverter 107. Further, the battery cell 108 receives the battery insignal S_(BatteryIn) from the inverter 107.

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 103 includes the batteryunit power indicator 104, which is operatively coupled to the batterycell 108. The battery unit power indicator 104 is shown in FIGS. 1 and4. In operation, the battery unit power indicator 104 moves light in thefirst direction in response to receiving the battery in signalS_(BatteryIn). Further, in operation, the battery unit power indicator104 moves light in the second direction in response to providing thebattery out signal S_(BatteryOut).

The battery unit circuit 103 includes the transceiver 109 coupled to thebattery cell 108. The transceiver 109 can be of many different types,such as a Wi-Fi radio or other mesh network transceiver that allowscommunication and control wirelessly. The transceiver 109 is powered inresponse to receiving a battery signal S_(Battery) from the battery cell108, wherein the battery signal S_(Battery) is a direct current powersignal. It should be noted that the battery signal S_(Battery) can beused to power other components of the battery unit circuit 103, ifdesired.

In this embodiment, the battery unit circuit 103 includes the wirelessconnection indicator 105, which is operatively coupled to thetransceiver 109. The wireless connection indicator 105 is shown in FIGS.1 and 4. As mentioned above, the wireless connection indicator 105provides an indication of the amount of wireless connection powerreceived by the battery unit 100. In particular, the wireless connectionindicator 105 provides an indication of the amount of wirelessconnection power received by the transceiver 109. The wirelessconnection power corresponds to the strength of a wireless signal thatflows between the battery unit 100 and another device. In particular,the wireless connection power corresponds to the strength of a wirelesssignal that flows between the transceiver 109 and another device. Theother device can be of many different types, as will be discussed inmore detail below with FIGS. 22, 23, 24, and 25. It should be noted thatthe battery unit circuit 103 can be housed by the light housing 207 ofFIG. 16. Further, the battery unit circuit 103 can be housed by theenclosure 214 of FIGS. 17 and 19.

In operation, the wireless connection indicator 105 moves light in thethird direction in response to the wireless connection power received bythe transceiver 109 increasing. Further, in operation, the wirelessconnection indicator 105 moves light in the fourth direction in responseto the wireless connection power received by the transceiver 109decreasing. The wireless connection power can correspond to the power ofmany different types of wireless signals. In this embodiment, thewireless connection power corresponds to the power of a control signalS_(Control) and/or data signal S_(Data). In other embodiments, such asthose discussed with FIGS. 22, 23, 24, and 25 below, the wirelessconnection power corresponds to one or more wireless signals S₁, S₂, andS₃.

As shown in FIG. 21, the control signal S_(Control) and data signalS_(Data) flow between the transceiver 109 and internet 140. It should benoted that the internet 140 typically includes one or more computernetworks. The computer network can be of many different types, such as awide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN).

In this embodiment, the internet 140 is in communication with thedatabase 142, which is used for data logging, billing, and prediction offuture charge and discharge patterns of the user based on pastconsumption locally or remotely. The database 142 can be accessedremotely via a web portal via computer 144. In an example embodiment,communication with the database 142 and communication via the internet140 will be intermittent and on demand.

In this embodiment, the database 142 is in communication with thecomputer 144. The computer 144 can be of many different types, such as aserver, which operates a web-based portal or web-based interface. Thecomputer 144 can also be a mobile device, such as a smart phone andtablet. Examples of smart phones include the IPHONE and ANDROID devices,and an example of a tablet is an IPAD. In an example embodiment, thecomputer 144 is in direct communication with the internet 140.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views of a fourth embodiment of abattery unit network, denoted as battery unit network 220. In thisembodiment, the power outlet assembly 120 a extends through the wallmember 187, wherein the power outlet assembly 120 a is the same as thepower outlet assembly 120. The battery unit network 220 includes thebattery unit 100 a, which is repeatably moveable between uncoupled (FIG.22) and coupled (FIG. 23) positions with the power outlet assembly 120a. It should be noted that the battery unit 100 a is the same as thebattery unit 100, and includes the battery unit circuit 101 (FIGS. 5 and6). More information regarding moving the battery unit 100 a betweencoupled and uncoupled conditions with the power outlet assembly 120 a isprovided in more detail above with FIGS. 3 and 4.

In this embodiment, the power outlet assembly 120 b extends through thewall member 188, wherein the power outlet assembly 120 b is the same asthe power outlet assembly 120. The battery unit network 220 includes thebattery unit 100 b, which is repeatably moveable between uncoupled (FIG.22) and coupled (FIG. 23) positions with the power outlet assembly 120b. It should be noted that the battery unit 100 b is the same as thebattery unit 100. More information regarding moving the battery unit 100b between coupled and uncoupled conditions with the power outletassembly 120 b is provided in more detail above with FIGS. 3 and 4. Itshould be noted that wall members 187 and 188 are typically carried by aframe, such as the frame 180 of FIG. 8.

In this embodiment, the battery units 100 a and 100 b establishcommunication with each other so that the wireless signal S₁ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₁ is used to coordinate a dischargeon the electrical distribution system to aggregate the availablecapacity of the distributed energy storage system. For example, thewireless signal S₁ can coordinate the discharge on the electricaldistribution system between the battery units 100 a and 100 b toaggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 100 a can establish communication with a first remotedevice so that the wireless signal S₂ can flow therebetween. Thewireless signal S₂ is used to coordinate charge and discharge sequenceson the electrical distribution system to aggregate the availablecapacity of the distributed energy storage system. For example, thewireless signal S₂ can coordinate the discharge on the electricaldistribution system between the battery unit 100 a and the first remotedevice to aggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 100 b can establish communication with a second remotedevice so that the wireless signal S₃ can flow therebetween. Thewireless signal S₃ is used to coordinate charge and discharge sequenceson the electrical distribution system to aggregate the availablecapacity of the distributed energy storage system. For example, thewireless signal S₃ can coordinate the discharge on the electricaldistribution system between the battery unit 100 b and the third remotedevice to aggregate the available capacity between them.

In this embodiment, the battery unit network 220 includes the lightfixture 200 (FIG. 16), wherein the light fixture 200 includes thebattery unit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20 and 21). In this embodiment, thebattery unit 100 a establishes communication with the light fixture 200so that a wireless signal S₄ can flow therebetween. The wireless signalS₄ is used to coordinate a discharge on the electrical distributionsystem to aggregate the available capacity of the distributed energystorage system. For example, the wireless signal S₄ can coordinate thedischarge on the electrical distribution system between the battery unitcircuit 101 (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the battery unit 100 a and the batteryunit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20 and 21) of the light fixture 200 to aggregatethe available capacity between them.

In this embodiment, the light fixture 200 can establish communicationwith a fourth remote device so that a wireless signal S₆ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₆ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₆ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit circuit 103 andthe fourth remote device to aggregate the available capacity betweenthem.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 100 b establishes communicationwith the light fixture 200 so that a wireless signal S₅ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₅ is used to coordinate a dischargeon the electrical distribution system to aggregate the availablecapacity of the distributed energy storage system. For example, thewireless signal S₅ can coordinate the discharge on the electricaldistribution system between the battery unit circuit 101 (FIGS. 5 and 6)of the battery unit 100 b and the battery unit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20 and21) of the light fixture 200 to aggregate the available capacity betweenthem.

In this embodiment, the light fixture 200 can establish communicationwith a fifth remote device so that a wireless signal S₇ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₇ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₇ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit circuit 103 andthe fifth remote device to aggregate the available capacity betweenthem.

It should be noted that the fourth and fifth remote devices can be ofmany different types, such as a computer, smart phone, and/or tablet.The fourth and fifth remote devices can also be a server, which operatesa web-based portal or web-based interface. The fourth remote device canbe a battery unit and a light fixture. For example, the fourth remotedevice can include the can light fixtures 210 (FIG. 17) and 215 (FIG.19). Further, the fifth remote device can be a battery unit and a lightfixture. For example, the fifth remote device can include the can lightfixtures 210 (FIG. 17) and 215 (FIG. 19).

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a battery unitnetwork, denoted as battery unit network 221. In this embodiment, thebattery unit network 221 includes the battery unit 150 a, wherein thebattery unit 150 a includes the power outlet assembly 160 a. It shouldbe noted that the battery unit 150 a is the same as the battery unit 150(FIGS. 7, 8, and 9), and includes the battery unit circuit 151 (FIGS. 10and 11). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 a corresponds to thepower outlet assembly 160 (FIG. 9).

In this embodiment, the battery unit 150 a extends through the wallmember 187, wherein the wall member 187 is carried by the frame 180(FIG. 8). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 a extends through thewall member 187 (FIG. 9).

The battery unit network 221 includes the battery unit 100 b, which isrepeatably moveable between uncoupled (FIG. 22) and coupled (FIG. 23)positions with the power outlet assembly 120 b. As mentioned above, thebattery unit 100 b is the same as the battery unit 100.

In this embodiment, the battery units 150 a and 100 b establishcommunication with each other so that the wireless signal S₁ can flowtherebetween. As mentioned above, the wireless signal S₁ is used tocoordinate a discharge on the electrical distribution system toaggregate the available capacity of the distributed energy storagesystem. For example, the wireless signal S₁ can coordinate the dischargeon the electrical distribution system between the battery units 150 aand 100 b to aggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 150 a can establish communication with the first remotedevice so that the wireless signal S₂ can flow therebetween. Asmentioned above, the wireless signal S₂ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₂ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit 150 a and thefirst remote device to aggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 100 b can establish communication with the secondremote device so that a wireless signal S₃ can flow therebetween. Asmentioned above, the wireless signal S₃ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₃ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit 100 b and thethird remote device to aggregate the available capacity between them.

In this embodiment, the battery unit network 221 includes the lightfixture 200 (FIG. 16), wherein the light fixture 200 includes thebattery unit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20 and 21). In this embodiment, thebattery unit 160 a establishes communication with the light fixture 200so that the wireless signal S₄ can flow therebetween. The wirelesssignal S₄ is used to coordinate a discharge on the electricaldistribution system to aggregate the available capacity of thedistributed energy storage system. For example, the wireless signal S₄can coordinate the discharge on the electrical distribution systembetween the battery unit circuit 151 (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the batteryunit 160 a and the battery unit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20 and 21) of thelight fixture 200 to aggregate the available capacity between them.

In this embodiment, the light fixture 200 can establish communicationwith the fourth remote device so that the wireless signal S₆ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₆ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₆ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit circuit 103 andthe fourth remote device to aggregate the available capacity betweenthem.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 100 b establishes communicationwith the light fixture 200 so that a wireless signal S₅ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₅ is used to coordinate a dischargeon the electrical distribution system to aggregate the availablecapacity of the distributed energy storage system. For example, thewireless signal S₅ can coordinate the discharge on the electricaldistribution system between the battery unit circuit 101 (FIGS. 5 and 6)of the battery unit 100 b and the battery unit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20 and21) of the light fixture 200 to aggregate the available capacity betweenthem.

In this embodiment, the light fixture 200 can establish communicationwith the fifth remote device so that a wireless signal S₇ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₇ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₇ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit circuit 103 andthe fifth remote device to aggregate the available capacity betweenthem.

It should be noted that the fourth and fifth remote devices can be ofmany different types, such as a computer, smart phone, and/or tablet.The fourth and fifth remote devices can also be a server, which operatesa web-based portal or web-based interface. The fourth remote device canbe a battery unit and a light fixture. For example, the fourth remotedevice can include the can light fixtures 210 (FIG. 17) and 215 (FIG.19). Further, the fifth remote device can be a battery unit and a lightfixture. For example, the fifth remote device can include the can lightfixtures 210 (FIG. 17) and 215 (FIG. 19).

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a battery unitnetwork, denoted as battery unit network 222. In this embodiment, thebattery unit network 222 includes the battery unit 150 a, wherein thebattery unit 150 a includes the power outlet assembly 160 a. Asmentioned above, the battery unit 150 a is the same as the battery unit150 (FIGS. 7, 8, and 9), and includes the battery unit circuit 151(FIGS. 10 and 11). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 a correspondsto the power outlet assembly 160 (FIG. 9).

As mentioned above, the battery unit 150 a extends through the wallmember 187, wherein the wall member 187 is carried by the frame 180(FIG. 8). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 a extends through thewall member 187 (FIG. 9).

The battery unit network 222 includes the battery unit 150 b, whereinthe battery unit 150 b includes the power outlet assembly 160 b. In thisembodiment, the battery unit 150 b is the same as the battery unit 150(FIGS. 7, 8, and 9), and includes the battery unit circuit 151 (FIGS. 10and 11). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 b corresponds to thepower outlet assembly 160 (FIG. 9).

As mentioned above, the battery unit 150 b extends through the wallmember 188, wherein the wall member 188 is carried by the frame 180(FIG. 8). Further, the power outlet assembly 160 b extends through thewall member 188 (FIG. 9).

In this embodiment, the battery units 150 a and 150 b establishcommunication with each other so that the wireless signal S₁ can flowtherebetween. As mentioned above, the wireless signal S₁ is used tocoordinate charge and discharge sequences on the electrical distributionsystem to aggregate the available capacity of the distributed energystorage system. For example, the wireless signal S₁ can coordinate thedischarge on the electrical distribution system between the batteryunits 150 a and 150 b to aggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 150 a can establish communication with the first remotedevice so that the wireless signal S₂ can flow therebetween. Asmentioned above, the wireless signal S₂ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₂ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit 150 a and thefirst remote device to aggregate the available capacity between them.

The battery unit 150 b can establish communication with a remote deviceso that the wireless signal S₃ can flow therebetween. As mentionedabove, the wireless signal S₃ is used to coordinate charge and dischargesequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregate theavailable capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₃ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit 150 b and thethird remote device to aggregate the available capacity between them.

In this embodiment, the battery unit network 222 includes the lightfixture 200 (FIG. 16), wherein the light fixture 200 includes thebattery unit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20 and 21). In this embodiment, thebattery unit 160 a establishes communication with the light fixture 200so that the wireless signal S₄ can flow therebetween. The wirelesssignal S₄ is used to coordinate a discharge on the electricaldistribution system to aggregate the available capacity of thedistributed energy storage system. For example, the wireless signal S₄can coordinate the discharge on the electrical distribution systembetween the battery unit circuit 151 (FIGS. 10 and 11) of the batteryunit 160 a and the battery unit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20 and 21) of thelight fixture 200 to aggregate the available capacity between them.

In this embodiment, the light fixture 200 can establish communicationwith the fourth remote device so that the wireless signal S₆ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₆ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₆ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit circuit 103 andthe fourth remote device to aggregate the available capacity betweenthem.

In this embodiment, the battery unit 160 b establishes communicationwith the light fixture 200 so that the wireless signal S₅ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₅ is used to coordinate a dischargeon the electrical distribution system to aggregate the availablecapacity of the distributed energy storage system. For example, thewireless signal S₅ can coordinate the discharge on the electricaldistribution system between the battery unit circuit 151 (FIGS. 10 and11) of the battery unit 160 b and the battery unit circuit 103 (FIGS. 20and 21) of the light fixture 200 to aggregate the available capacitybetween them.

In this embodiment, the light fixture 200 can establish communicationwith the fifth remote device so that the wireless signal S₇ can flowtherebetween. The wireless signal S₇ is used to coordinate charge anddischarge sequences on the electrical distribution system to aggregatethe available capacity of the distributed energy storage system. Forexample, the wireless signal S₇ can coordinate the discharge on theelectrical distribution system between the battery unit circuit 103 andthe fifth remote device to aggregate the available capacity betweenthem.

It should be noted that the fourth and fifth remote devices can be ofmany different types, such as a computer, smart phone, and/or tablet.The fourth and fifth remote devices can also be a server, which operatesa web-based portal or web-based interface. The fourth remote device canbe a battery unit and a light fixture. For example, the fourth remotedevice can include the can light fixtures 210 (FIG. 17) and 215 (FIG.19). Further, the fifth remote device can be a battery unit and a lightfixture. For example, the fifth remote device can include the can lightfixtures 210 (FIG. 17) and 215 (FIG. 19).

The invention disclosed above allows the distribution of energy throughan array of battery units, wherein the distribution of energy can becontrolled in a coordinated manner using a wireless network. Theinvention allows energy to be distributed, in a controlled manner, toother electrical devices through the electrical distribution system.

The battery units are easily installed by simply plugging them intocorresponding electrical outlets. In some situations, such as newbuilding construction, the battery units can be installed in a wall, ifdesired. The end user can easily add more battery capacity by pluggingin more battery units to the available electrical outlets.

The battery units establish communication with each other so theycoordinate the discharge on the electrical distribution system toaggregate the available capacity of the distributed energy storagesystem. The invention allows the energy flow through the distributedenergy storage system to be monetized.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

In an example embodiment, the battery unit circuit 101 further comprisesa processor (not shown). The processor may be configured to providecontrol signals to the inverter for controlling the inverter, and thusfor controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cell. Theprocessor may be any suitable computer chip, integrated circuit or thelike. In an example embodiment, the processor may comprise or work inconjunction with a memory and/or a clock. The processor may providethese inverter control signals based on processor control signalsprovided from transceiver 109 (based on S_(Control) signals received attransceiver 109). In other example embodiments, the processor mayprovide these inverter control signals based on pre-storedcharge/discharge schedules, programming directly entered into a memoryfrom an input device associated with the battery unit (key pad or thelike), or programming indirectly entered into an electronic device anduploaded, for example via USB connection port or the like. Thus, in someembodiments, the battery unit may not comprise a transceiver, but two ormore units connected to the same electrical system can be operated incoordination to charge or discharge at the same time or in coordinationwith one another.

In an example embodiment, an individual battery unit or the network oftwo or more battery units are controlled via a remote cloud basedsystem. The remote cloud based system, in an example embodiment,configures the charge and discharge cycles for optimal energy savings bythe customer. The individual battery unit, or a plurality of batteryunits, through an internet connection at each device, may receiveinstructions (S_(Control) signals) for charging and discharging that arealigned with the customers current utility rate tariff to store lessexpensive electricity so it can be consumed during times of higherelectricity prices. This control system in an example embodiment, islinked to the customer through a web portal that is accessible by anydevice with a web browser such as a mobile smart phone, desktop or otherinternet enabled device. The control of the local devices can also bemanually configured by the customer via this web portal and instructionscan be sent via the cloud.

The local devices may provide S_(Data) to one or more remote devices. Inan example embodiment, the S_(Data) represents the charge status of thebattery cell (charged, discharged, partial charge percentage, etc.).Moreover, the S_(Data) may represent any data obtained by the processorrelated to the battery cell.

In an example embodiment, the battery units are controlled via a remotecloud based system, which coordinates the charge and discharge cycles ofmultiple units so that their combined electricity storage capacity isadditive. In an example embodiment, a plurality of battery units form agroup of plug-in battery units (where plug-in can represent either aunit that plugs into a standard wall outlet assembly, or a luminairethat plugs/screws into a light fixture). The group of battery units areall controlled by a remote device, such as a server over an internet orthe cloud. The group of battery units can be wirelessly coordinated tocontrol the charge and discharge of the group of plug-in battery units.

In this example embodiment, each unit can be controlled individually, inaggregation for an individual customer, or in aggregation for a group ofcustomers thereby forming a mesh network of devices that can becontrolled collectively. In an example embodiment, a group of batteryunits may all be located in the same house, office, apartment, room,store, business, and/or the like. In this example embodiment, the groupof battery units may all be owned by an individual customer (e.g., thehomeowner or business owner or the entity paying the electric bill forthat particular electric meter). Thus, all the battery units in thegroup may be located behind the same meter. In other exampleembodiments, the mesh network may comprise battery units in aneighborhood, zip code, geographic area, energy distribution area,behind multiple meters, owned by different entities, or any othersuitable way of grouping multiple plug-in battery units. Thus, thebattery units may be grouped geographically, in an example embodiment.

In the embodiment where the group of plug-in battery units are behindthe same meter, the S_(Control) signals may be based off of historicaldata, current time of use rates, for charging and discharging that arealigned with the customers current utility rate tariff to store lessexpensive electricity so it can be consumed during times of higherelectricity prices, and/or the like. Thus, the electrical system in thisembodiment may be the house electric system behind the meter. In theembodiment where the group of plug-in battery units are behind more thanone meter, the S_(Control) signals may be based off of historical data,grid services, demand response, open market energy trading rates, peakshaving, and/or the like. Thus, the electrical system in this embodimentmay be the utility power grid. In an example embodiment, an energytrader looking ahead may bid for demand response in a geographic area,and provide power to fulfill that bid by turning on thousands of plug-inbattery units at the same time in that geographic area. Thus, in someembodiments, the plug-in battery units are controlled for powermanagement in-front of the meter where the plug-in battery units areplugged in, and in other embodiments, the plug-in battery units arecontrolled for power management behind the meter where the plug-inbattery units are plugged in.

In an example embodiment, the battery unit is rated at less than orequal to 2400 Volt-Amperes (VA). In another example embodiment, thebattery unit rated at less than or equal to 3000 VA. Thus, the batteryunit size may, in various example embodiments, be sized such that acontractor need not be hire to install the battery unit, thus making theinstallation simple and inexpensive.

As noted herein, in various embodiments, the battery unit is controlledbased on its geographic location. Thus, in an example embodiment, thebattery unit registers its location in any suitable way, such as by theuser providing the information on registration/enrollment, by globalpositioning, by input directly on the device, through use of therouter's location, or any other suitable method. This location may bestored at the remote device, on the cloud, or otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of manufacture including a tangible,non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructionsstored thereon that, in response to execution by a processor, cause theprocessor to perform operations comprising: receiving, via theprocessor, a control signal from a transceiver in response to thetransceiver receiving an S_(Control) signal from a remote device;commanding, via the processor, a charging or discharging of a batterycell of a first battery unit based on the S_(Control) signal; andcoordinating, via the processor, a first discharge of the first batteryunit with a second discharge of a second battery unit to aggregate anavailable capacity of a distributed energy system.
 2. The article ofmanufacture of claim 1, wherein the coordinating is communicated to thesecond battery unit via the transceiver.
 3. The article of manufactureof claim 2, wherein the first battery unit is spaced apart from thesecond battery unit.
 4. The article of manufacture of claim 1, whereinthe operations further comprise commanding, via the processor, thetransceiver to send S_(Data) signals to the remote device.
 5. Thearticle of manufacture of claim 4, wherein the S_(Data) signals are sentover a network.
 6. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein thefirst battery unit and the second battery unit are both configured tocharge or discharge at less than or equal to 2400 Volt-Amperes.
 7. Thearticle of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise coordinating, via the processor, the first discharge, thesecond discharge, and a third discharge of a third battery unit toaggregate the available capacity of the distributed energy system. 8.The article of manufacture of claim 7, wherein the first battery unit isspaced apart from the second battery unit and the third battery unit,and wherein the second battery unit is spaced apart from the thirdbattery unit.
 9. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein theremote device is the second battery unit.
 10. An article of manufactureincluding a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumhaving instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by aprocessor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:receiving, via the processor and through a transceiver, S_(Data) signalsfrom a plurality of battery units; determining, via the processor, adischarge of each battery unit in the plurality of battery units basedon the S_(Data) signals from the plurality of battery units; andcommanding, via the processor and through the transceiver, the pluralityof battery units to coordinate the discharge for each battery unit inthe plurality of battery units to aggregate an available capacity of adistributed energy system.
 11. The article of manufacture of claim 10,wherein the plurality of battery units are spaced apart from each other.12. The article of manufacture of claim 10, further comprisingtransmitting an S_(Control) signal to each battery unit in the pluralityof battery units in response to commanding the plurality of batteryunits to coordinate the discharge for each battery unit in the pluralityof battery units.
 13. The article of manufacture of claim 10, whereinthe S_(Data) signals are transmitted over a network.
 14. The article ofmanufacture of claim 10, wherein each battery unit in the plurality ofbattery units are configured to charge or discharge at less than orequal to 2400 Volt-Amperes.
 15. The article of manufacture of claim 10,wherein each battery unit in the plurality of battery units is aluminaire.
 16. A method of aggregating an available capacity of adistributed energy system, comprising: determining, based on S_(Data)signals received wirelessly from a plurality of battery units, theavailable capacity of the distributed energy system; and commanding, viaan S_(Control) signal transmitted to the plurality of battery units, adischarge for each battery unit in the plurality of battery units toaggregate the available capacity of the distributed energy system. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein the determining and the commanding isperformed by a battery unit in the plurality of battery units.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the determining and the commanding isperformed by a remote device distinct from the plurality of batteryunits.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the S_(Data) signals aretransmitted over a network.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein eachbattery unit in the plurality of battery units are configured to chargeor discharge at less than or equal to 2400 Volt-Amperes.